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Show 34
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Barberis (Ita)  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Show 34

Doug Peterson's Show 34 emerged in 1974 as a sophisticated performance cruiser that perfectly captures the era's emphasis on racing-influenced design for serious sailors. Built by Italy's Barberis yard, this 33.67-foot masthead sloop demonstrates Peterson's talent for creating boats that excel both on the racecourse and during extended cruising adventures. The hull showcases classic Peterson characteristics: a fine entry, moderate beam of 10.86 feet, and a fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling and impressive windward ability. With 4,400 pounds of ballast in her 10,780-pound displacement, the Show 34 carries sufficient stability for offshore work while maintaining the light, quick feel that racing sailors appreciate. Her sail area to displacement ratio of 18.03 indicates spirited performance in light to moderate conditions, while the comfort ratio of 23.85 suggests a motion that favors speed over ultimate seakeeping comfort. The capsize screening formula of 1.97 falls within acceptable parameters for coastal and offshore sailing. Italian construction quality shines through in the fiberglass layup and interior joinery. This relatively rare design appeals to sailors seeking a proven performer that can handle serious cruising while maintaining the responsive characteristics that made Peterson's designs legendary during sailing's golden age of the 1970s.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.67 ft / 10.26 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.20 ft / 8.29 m
Beam 10.86 ft / 3.31 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 10,780.00 lb / 4,890 kg
Ballast 4,400.00 lb / 1,996 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 548.00 ft² / 50.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Barberis (ITA)
First Built 1974
Associations IOR 3/4 ton
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 129
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18.03
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40.82
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 239.15
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 23.85
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.97
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.99 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.28
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,055.47 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.47 ft / 13.25 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.11 ft / 4.30 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
SA Fore 306.68 ft² / 28.49 m²
SA Main 210.00 ft² / 19.51 m²
SA Total (100%) 516.68 ft² / 48.00 m²
Est. Forestay Length 45.70 ft / 13.93 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model MD11C
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 24
Fuel Capacity 16 gals / 61 L
Water Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
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